The Disappearance of Christmas. . .

The transformation or disappearance of “Christmas” is almost complete. It has taken my lifetime, over 60 years. Over this time Canadians have been made aware of many cultural and religious celebrations, which is wonderful, but at the same time, the birth of Christ, the basis of the Christian religion has all but disappeared.

My question is simple: “Why must Christ’s birth disappear and other religious beliefs take its place? Why can they not all be out there, side by side, living together in harmony as Canada wants its people to live?

I am a Christian and those who believe still measure a great number in this country. What is wrong with saying “Merry Christmas”? We say “Happy Hanukkah” without being believers of Judaism. We are wishing believers a happy celebration of their faith and respecting their faith by doing so.

The way people argue and condemn now, we are heading away from freedom of speech and freedom of religion. That is a very scary prospect and I am glad I will not be around in 40 years to see the outcome.

The most popular religion or belief for the current young generation is Santa Claus and Holy Commercialism. This was a concern when I was a child, but it was balanced in my neighborhood by a nativity scene, a church service and the story of Christ’s birth. It does not matter the actual date of His birth, just that it continue to be celebrated by those who believe, without being persecuted. I am feeling the persecution, this year more than ever before as I am told what I can and cannot say.

My happy place is in my job this time of year where I am teaching children the traditions of Christmas past from several countries, which include their religious customs. People have immigrated to this country from all over the world, bringing their beliefs and traditions with them. They were told that they would have the freedom to celebrate these traditions and beliefs in Canada.

Now the pendulum swings in the opposite direction and we are being told to shut our mouths if we are Christians so that we do not offend others. I am offended.

How sad and how backward thinking.

My simple wish would be to see Canadians standing side by side, sharing and celebrating their beliefs and allowing each other their differences. Don’t get rid of the nativity scene, just add other religions’ symbols next to it.

I wish everyone “Seasons Greetings” and that includes “Merry Christmas” to my Christian friends and “Happy Hanukkah” to my Jewish friends. As I meet believers of other religions along the way, I will be happy to respect their beliefs and wish them happiness in their celebrations. If we get rid of the words and become generic, it all disappears.

Because I was born a second generation Canadian, I have Christ in my heart and the Grinch in a santa suit on the top of my tree. I LOVE the Christmas season, but wish we could totally erase the commercialism.

….. ah, I am getting old and starting to sound like my parents’ generation, who I understand a whole lot better now by the way.